Vol. 32 No. 14 April 7, 2014 $1.00 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine printed in Brevard County, Fla. since 1984
Please see River Tree Builders, page 19
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
Barry Richardson, a Rollins College graduate, is president and founder of 22–year–old River Tree Builders inMelbourne. His company’s core business is home remodeling and that segment of the construction industry is growingagain. Many remodelers entered 2014 with jobs in the pipeline. He’s at the home of Dr. Ruben and Rita Moreno, wherehis firm recently completed a full kitchen and bar renovation.
Residential renovationis on upswing for firmslike River Tree BuildersBy Ken Datzman
Activity in the field is fast increasing for residential remodelers and
the cost–versus–resale value of these construction projects is back on
track, rewarding homeowners for their investments.
The home–remodeling market started to gain traction nearly two
years ago and business conditions continue to strengthen in many
communities as homeowners invest in upgraded bathrooms, contempo-
rary kitchens, and other improvement projects including square–footage
additions.
Many remodelers entered 2014 with jobs in the pipeline, which hasn’t
been the trend in the past few years.
“The home–renovation segment started to come back in earnest about
a year and a half ago,” said businessman Barry Richardson, president
and founder of 22–year–old River Tree Builders Inc. in Melbourne, whose
firm’s core market is residential renovation.
“There seems to be a lot of pent–up demand in the market for home
renovations, just like there is on the new–construction side of the
industry. People postponed doing additions to their homes, remodeling
their kitchens and bathrooms, mainly because they were waiting to see
the direction of the economy and the state of the housing market in
general.”
Richardson is a member of the Home Builders and Contractors
Association of Brevard, a trade organization that is gearing up for its
annual Spring Parade of Homes. There is a story on Page 11 in this
edition of Brevard Business News about the Parade, which typically kicks
off the spring home–buying season in the county.
Meanwhile, the $150 billion home–remodeling industry is trending
upward and should see strong growth in 2014, according to the “Leading
Indicator of Remodeling Activity” released in January by the Remodeling
Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard
University.
The double–digit gains in annual home–improvement spending
projected for the first half of the year should moderate some, to just under
10 percent by the third quarter.
The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity is designed to estimate
national homeowner spending on improvements for the current quarter
and the subsequent three quarters.
The ongoing growth in home prices, housing starts, and existing home
sales is helping drive the home–improvement business.
Richardson said his company’s revenue is up more than “200 percent
from where we were last year at this time. There is good activity in the
market. We’re getting a lot of calls. Our construction crews are busy. We
think it’s going to be a really good year for River Tree Builders.”
PRESORTEDSTANDARD
US POSTAGEPAID
BREVARD BUSINESSNEWS, INC.
32904BBN Brevard
Business News
APRIL 7, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising InformationBREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 2
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Ben Edwardsnew ad emailed
FULL COLOR
Brevard Achievementnew ad emailed
FULL COLOR
Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. 930 S. Harbor City Blvd, Suite 400, Melbourne, FL 32901 Phone: 321-729-6615 Toll Free: 855-729-6615
2011-0159 Exp. 12/31/2014 Member SIPC
benjaminfedwards.com
ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULLEST
Let us help make sure you have a financial plan in place that helps you enjoy yours. Trust. Integrity. Mutual Respect. These principles anchor our commitment to put our clients’ interests first. We also have the top-notch service and advice that you need to build a plan that fits your unique goals and objectives.
Proud to be serving Space Coast investors.
Stop by or give us a call.
Dawn R. Dickson Associate
Vice President – Investments
L. Betsy Dickson, CFP® Managing Director
– Investments
.
Viera High School Student Government
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 7, 2014
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 3
officer of MH Williams Construction in Melbourne, has
committed to be the project’s general contractor and has
agreed to donate time and resources to construct the
facility at cost, said Hann.
There are close to 5,000 residents within a one–mile
radius of the Evans Center site. Forty–eight percent of
households in that area earn less than $24,999 annually,
and 68 percent own one or no vehicle.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the
area is deemed a “food desert,” because it lacks adequate
access to fresh, affordable foods needed to maintain a
healthy diet.
“The closest grocery store is 1.4 miles away,” said
Evans Center Chairman Alan Prestwood. “That is a long
journey for seniors or young mothers without transporta-
tion. It is a shame that they choose between paying a taxi
to go to the store, or opt for unhealthy, expensive
alternatives closer to home.”
Adults and children living in designated “food desert”
areas have disproportionately higher rates of life–
threatening conditions such as cardiovascular disease,
diabetes and obesity.
Accessibility to affordable health care is also a
challenge, said Lisa Gurri, the chief executive officer of
Brevard Health Alliance. Currently, the BHA mobile
clinic visits the community one day per week. Once the
Evans Center is constructed, BHA will have a perma-
nent presence. Gurri estimates the Evans clinic will see
3,500 annual patient visits. Patients will contribute to
their own care through sliding–scale fees.
As capital funds are raised, Evans Center leaders are
responding to the need to provide basic job training for
PALM BAY — Businesses have the opportunity to
make a big impact in northeast Palm Bay through
support of the Evans Center neighborhood revitalization
project that seeks to create a health clinic and a fresh–
food market in the Bayfront Community Redevelopment
Area (BCRA).
Significant business tax credits are available for
donations toward this project if made during the
business tax year that includes July 1, 2014. Tax–credit
applications must be submitted between July 1 and July
15, 2014, in order to receive immediate benefits.
Donating to this project promises to not only pay
rewards for those investing in the community but will
also have a long–term positive impact toward the future
well–being of the entire community.
“The process is fast, easy and there is a great return
on investment,” said area businessman Mike Shah, chief
executive officer of SE Petro Distributors. “I donated
$15,000, completed the application form, and received
$6,190 back within a few months.”
Shah adds that there is a “rare benefit” to Florida
businesses that contribute. They can receive up to a
50 percent return on their investment in the form of tax
credits or cash from sales–tax refunds.
The Evans Center master plan calls for a health clinic
through a collaboration with the Brevard Health
Alliance. It also calls for a market featuring fresh foods
and classrooms for youth job training. This market will
double as a training ground for students who have
completed the jobs–training curriculum.
“The Evans Center is a ‘win–win’ for residents as well
as for our broader Brevard community,” said Palm Bay
City Manager Sue Hann. “It is located within the BCRA
and the city’s Enterprise Zone. We see the Evans Center
as a strong community anchor that will provide services
within walking distance of north Palm Bay and south
Melbourne residents.”
Palm Bay is a vital partner on the Evans Center
project as it owns the land and is providing a long–term
lease to “facilitate” construction and operation of the
planned facility. Mike Williams, the chief executive
youth ages 16 to 24. Using the nationally recognized
“Jobs for Life” curriculum, they plan to launch a pilot
program for 10 students in 2014 at a temporary site
through the efforts of Doreatha Fields, founder of
Diamond Community School, just south of the Evans
Center.
In recent years, resident leaders of the Powell
Subdivision Neighborhood Watch and Congregations for
Community Action, working alongside Palm Bay
officials, have made “great strides” to improve safety and
strengthen community bonds. The Evans Center is an
“outgrowth of these successes.”
The Evans Center is being managed through the
development phase by the Brevard Neighborhood
Development Coalition (BNDC). Business donations
should be made payable directly to the Evans Center in
order to qualify for the tax–credit program. The BNDC
will help the donor with the application required to
receive the tax advantages.
“Now is the time to support this campaign,” said Lynn
Brockwell–Carey, BNDC executive director and manager
for the Evans Center project. “In 2012 and 2013, donors
to economic–development projects like the Evans Center
received returns of 41 percent and 40 percent.”
The opportunity is available to businesses that pay
Florida corporate income taxes, Florida insurance
premium taxes and any business that collects and remits
sales taxes. Donations of cash, equipment or goods can
qualify.
For more information about the project, contact
Brockwell–Carey at 253–4214, [email protected], or
visit www.EvansCenter.org.
Health clinic, jobs training and more planned for Evans Center; businesses can reap benefits from investing
Yellow Dog Café wins Zonta Club competitionYellow Dog Café took top honors as “Brevard’s Best Chocolate Fix of 2014” at the recent 10th annual Zonta Club of
Melbourne Chocolate Festival. Second place went to Grimaldi Candies, while Keiser University placed third. Other
competitors were: Buena Vida Estates, Caffe Chocolat, Love Bugs Bakery, Sue M. Pridmore/Salvation Army, Banana
Blossom Cakes, Sam’s Club, and Take A Bite Cupcakes. Proceeds from the festival benefit local scholarships and
community–service projects, and the local and international fight against human trafficking and violence against
women. For more information about the organization, visit ZontaSpaceCoast.org or call 952–1443.
Keiser Universitynew ad emailed
FULL COLOR
Milatano Constructionpick up BBN
3/24/14page 18
FULL COLOR888.830.1674KeiserSuccess.com
Future OpportunitiesFocus on your
Earn a degree in Business Administration with concentrations in:
Degree programs and delivery format vary by campus
Associate I I I
Residential Commercial321-779-9797www.MilitanoConstruction.com
APRIL 7, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BBNBrevard
Business
News
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 4
4300 Fortune Place, Suite DWest Melbourne, FL 32904
(321) 951–7777fax (321) 951–4444
BrevardBusinessNews.com
PUBLISHERAdrienne B. Roth
EDITORKen Datzman
SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITORBill Roth
Brevard Business News is published every Monday byBrevard Business News Inc. Bulk Rate postage is paid atMelbourne, FL and Cocoa, FL. This publication servesbusiness executives in Brevard County. It reports onnews, trends and ideas of interest to industry, trade,agribusiness, finance, health care, high technology,education and commerce.
Letters to the Editor must include the writer’s signatureand printed or typed name, full address and telephonenumber. Brevard Business News reserves the right to editall letters. Send your letters to: Editor, Brevard BusinessNews, 4300 Fortune Place, Suite D, West Melbourne, FL,32904, or email [email protected].
Subscription Rates for home or office mail delivery are$26.00 for one year (52 issues). Send all addresschanges to: Circulation Department, Brevard BusinessNews, 4300 Fortune Place, Suite D, West Melbourne, FL,32904, or email [email protected].
coined the term “club sandwich” to describe people in
their 50s and 60s with adult children, grandchildren and
aging parents. This describes me, too. However, there’s
another layer to me. I am a multilayered sandwich with a
variety of fillings: I am a Dagwood. This kind of sandwich
was made popular by Dagwood Bumstead, one of the
main characters in Chic Young’s comic strip, “Blondie.”
Recently my three siblings came over to visit Momma,
who is 90. We had a terrific evening of food, laughter and
stories for time long passed. The next morning over
coffee, Momma said: “That was a fun night, wasn’t it?”
I agreed.
She continued, “I was so happy to see all of my
children together. I watched you all and it became as
clear as day to me that you are the Momma now.”
I interrupted in protest: “Oh, Momma, that’s not true.
You are the momma and will always be the momma.
Nobody can take your place.”
She placed her hand on mine and said, “Let me finish.
I know I will always be Mom, but you are the Momma. I
know you can’t take my place. You have your own place.
Your brothers and sister look up to you. They come to you
with problems and joys. They love me alright, but you are
first. And I am right there with them. I have gotten old
and I am one of the children now. We need you and I
pray that God will bless you and keep you strong.”
Members of the ‘sandwich generation’ have an awesome responsibility as caregiversBy Rebekah McCloudUCF Forum columnist
I am a proud member of the “sandwich generation.”
Sociologist Dorothy A. Miller coined the term in 1981 to
classify people who care for their aging parent(s) while
helping to support their own children.
A recent analysis of Census Bureau data by the Pew
Research Center noted that nearly half (47 percent) of
Americans aged 47–59 have a parent at least 65 years
old and are also raising a minor child or provide support
to a grown child. Additionally, 15 percent of that age
group in the past year provided financial support to
parents at least 65 years old and a child. There are close
to 14 million adult children still living at home and 36
percent of those 18–31 are still living with their parents.
These are compelling statistics that will increase
exponentially in the next decade or two when Baby
Boomers become the “aging parents.”
Nationally known elder–care authority Carol Abaya
She was silent for a long while.
In her silence, I understood Momma’s intention. She
was passing the mantel of matriarch on to me. I thought
about the conversation for many days after that morning.
I even called my siblings and talked with them about it.
They all affirmed Momma’s assessment of the situation: I
am the Momma now.
So, Ms. Abaya, I offer Dagwood as an additional kind
of family sandwich. I am sure I am not alone. Family
defined as mom, dad and kids is not necessarily the norm
anymore. Just watch television any day of the week and
you will find that there are a myriad of configurations
that comprise family. Boy, do I know this to be true. I
have become the matriarch of my extended family: I am
the Momma now.
With the care and leadership for my Mom, children
and grandchildren, I’ve added my siblings, their children
and grandchildren. This is an awesome responsibility
and a tremendous opportunity to learn, to teach, to
mentor, to encourage, to nurture, and to love. I pray I
don’t disappoint.
Rebekah McCloud is director of the Universityof Central Florida’s PRIME STEM/StudentSupport Services Program. She can be reachedat [email protected].
UF finds way to reduce E. coli in cows; may play role for humans
By Brad Buck
A new biological treatment could help dairy cattle
stave off uterine diseases and eventually may help
improve food safety for humans, a University of Florida
study shows.
Kwang Cheol Jeong, an assistant professor in animal
sciences and UF’s Emerging Pathogens Institute,
examined cattle uterine illnesses because they can make
cows infertile, lower milk production and because those
maladies are often linked to bacteria, he said. The UF
researchers did their experiments in labs and at the
Dairy Unit on the Gainesville campus.
Kwang and his research team infused chitosan
microparticles, an antimicrobial material derived from
dissolved shrimp shells, into diseased cow uteri. When
bought in stores, chitosan can be used to treat many
ailments from obesity to anemia. On its own, chitosan
only works at acidic pH levels, Jeong said. For cattle,
Kwang’s team developed chitosan microparticles, which
work in acidic and neutral pH, because cattle uteri have a
neutral pH.
The study’s findings suggest chitosan microparticles
kill bacteria in the uteri, he said. Kwang said it may
someday be possible for chitosan microparticles to be
used to help humans who have become ill from consum-
ing E. coli–contaminated food, but more research is
needed.
Developing a new antimicrobial agent is critical to
human and animal health, said Kwang, a member of
UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
“Dangerous infections are diminishing the role of
some antibiotics, making them less able to treat infec-
tions, as pathogens are developing resistance to the
drugs,” he said, adding that about 23,000 people die in
the U.S. annually because of exposure to pathogens that
don’t respond to antibiotics.
Once bacteria become resistant, whether on farms, in
hospitals or the environment, they can infect humans,
through water, food or contact with contaminated feces,
Kwang said.
Further, some antibiotics used to treat humans and
animals kill good and bad bacteria. Scientists can use the
UF study’s findings to begin to develop better drugs that
target bad pathogens but leave beneficial bacteria,
Kwang said.
E. coli are everywhere, including the human gut, but
can contaminate beef, unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses
made from raw milk and raw fruits and vegetables that
haven’t been washed properly.
The most recent outbreak of meat–traced E. coli was
in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. That year, 21 people in 16 states fell ill from
the pathogen, including one in Florida, the agency
reported. A foodborne “outbreak” happens when two or
more people get the same illness from the same contami-
nated food or drink, the CDC says.
Kwang’s latest study was published online March 21
by the journal PLoS ONE. He co–wrote the paper with
Soo Jin Jeon, a doctoral student in the UF animal
sciences department and Klibs Galvao, an assistant
professor in the large animal clinical sciences department
at UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 7, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 5
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
To Be Continued ...
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
Introduction of Platform Guest
Presentation of Colors Viera High School ROTC
Pledge of Allegiance Students
National Anthem Viera High School Orchestra
InvocationMark Ragsdale - Lead Pastor - Church at Viera
Comments Chuck Nelson – Chairman – County Commission
Karen Henderson – District 4 School Board Member Judi John – The Viera Company
Entertainment Viera High School Orchestra
Comments Kimberly Africano – Board Member & Parent
Mike Strader – Charter School Associates Joe Rauenhorst/Greg Madsen
Bay Court Incorporated Robert Jordan - Chairman
Ground Breaking Celebration
EVENT COMMITTEE Judi John
Steve Muzzy Scott Miller
Robert Jordan
CONTRIBUTORS The Viera Company
Publix Viera High School Bay Court, Inc.
Charter Schools Associates, Inc.
SITE PLAN
Special Thanks
APRIL 7, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 6
HBCAad modifiedJuanita has
FULL COLOR
Coastal Health Systemspick up BBN
2/03/14page ?
FULL COLOR
Glenns Tirepick up BBN
3/03/14page 18
FULL COLOR
Constellation 5MODEL BY AVTEC HOMES
THIS SEASON’S SHOWCASE HOME
H B C A S P R I N G 2 0 1 4
EVENT DATES APRIL 5 – 13 MONDAY – SATURDAY: 10 AM – 5 PM SUNDAY: NOON – 5 PM PLAN YOUR PARADE ROUTE | FLORIDATODAY.COM/PARADEOFHOMES
VISIT THESE FINE BUILDERSShowcase Home by Avtec Homes
Single Family CategoryA & E Custom HomesAdams HomesArthur RutenbergAvtec HomesChristpher Burton HomesDiPrima ConstructionDR Horton
Emerald HomesJoyal ConstructionMonarch Homes of BrevardSan Marino (Newton Land Development)Stanley HomesViera Builders
auto repairs preventive maintenance tire service
f
2726 S. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne723-0751 www.glennstire.com
Serving South Brevard for over 60 years
Air conditioning
Electrical
Brake systems
Wheel alignment
Radiator service
Transmission service
Engine performance / diagnostics
Multi-point vehicle inspections
Factory scheduled maintenance
Approved Auto Repair
The Carmichael Family
Complete Mechanical Services
Scan with your smartphone to get a quoteor schedule service
Simply Ask Our Customers
321.254.91452825 Business Center Blvd., Suite B-5,
Melbourne, FL
"We are delighted withthe remodeling workthat Rivertree Buildersperformed at our home.Barry Richardson andhis staff were alwaysaccessible, and kept usinformed throughout theprocess, eliminating theangst that usuallyaccompanies a remodeling project.The resultsexceeded ourexpectations."
Alan and KatiePrestwood
Alan and Katie Prestwoodwith Barry Richardson
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 7, 2014
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 7
The Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra will present
its eighth annual Concerto Competition Winners’ Recital
at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at Suntree United
Methodist Church, 7400 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne.
The concert will feature the three teen winners of the
annual competition along with the group’s philharmonic
orchestra and select chamber music ensembles.
Performing on viola will be competition winner
16–year–old Rachel Ho of Melbourne, a junior at West
Shore Junior–Senior High School in Melbourne. Winning
violinist Tomas Lopez of Melbourne is 15 years old and
attends Satellite High School as a sophomore. Also
attending Satellite High School is senior Aleyna Brown,
17, who will be performing on flute.
Admission to the event is free of charge with the
donation of a canned good or non–perishable food item for
the “Orchestras Feeding America” national food drive.
Collecting an average of 600 pounds per year, the BSYO
has donated more than 2 tons of foodstuffs for the hungry
in seven years of participation in the program. The website
is www.BSYO.us or call 216–7804.
Lourdes Quintero is the BSYO’s executive director.
Quintero said she is “proud” of the teens and the youth
orchestra outreach.
“The BSYO has been collecting food for the Orchestras
Feeding America program for seven years now,” said
Quintero. “Folks can come and hear these very talented
teenagers perform and fight hunger in our nation at the
same time. It’s great music and a great example to set for
our youngsters.”
BSYO free concert April 5 to benefit Orchestras Feeding America charity; donation of canned–food items7 to 18 years old, representing 50 public, private and home
schools.
Orchestras Feeding America is a project that has seen
over 250 orchestras from across the country collect nearly
450,000 pounds of food. The efforts of these orchestras
have helped spread the word about how and why orches-
tras are so necessary to their communities, beyond
providing amazing music.
For more information about the organization and to
view a list of the food item most in demand, visit
www.AmericanOrchestras.org.
The BSYO was established in 1984 by the Brevard
Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with Brevard
County Public Schools and Eastern Florida State College.
Now in its 30th season, the nonprofit BSYO offers talented
string, wind, brass and percussion students the opportu-
nity to study orchestral repertoire with peers of equal
talent under the direction of a professional conductor.
Student musicians play in one of three orchestras:
Philharmonic (premier), Symphony (intermediate strings
and winds) or String Ensemble (beginning strings). The
BSYO is comprised of 150 musicians ranging in age from
GrayRobinson attorney Jack Kirschenbaum joins the BCA Board of DirectorsGrayRobinson shareholder Jack Kirschenbaum is now serving on the Brevard Cultural Alliance Board of Directors.
The BCA is the professional organization that provides leadership and a unified voice for the arts and cultural sector on
the Space Coast. Its strategic vision is to advance Brevard County as a cultural destination, enhance educational
opportunities through engagement with the arts and bolster the sustainability of the cultural community.
Kirschenbaum is a senior partner in GrayRobinson in Melbourne and a respected and experienced civil–trial lawyer.
He has more than 30 years of courtroom experience in civil litigation and has been recognized by “Florida Super Lawyers”
in the area of general litigation. Kirschenbaum has handled numerous jury, nonjury and administrative matters in both
state and federal court, and currently holds an “AV Pre–eminent” rating from Martindale–Hubbell.
April is National Poetry Month at Satellite Beach LibraryIn honor of National Poetry Month, the Satellite Beach Library will host an “open–mike” program led by local writer
Kit Adams on Saturday, April 5. The program will kick off with a brown–bag lunch at 12 p.m., with readings beginning at
1 o’clock. Local poets of all ages are invited to attend and present their work. Following the presentation will be an
interactive discussion on “getting the writing flowing past blocks.” The library is partnering with the Scribblers, a
Brevard County writing group, to present the program. The library’s address is 751 Jamaica Blvd.
Viera Buildersnew ad emailed
CHECK EXCLUSIVE ...
FULL COLOR
Michael Gaineypick up BBN
11/11/13page ?
FULL COLOR
Directions: I-95, Exit 191 heading West on Wickham Road. At traffic Circle take 3rd Exit onto Lake Andrew Drive.Continue Straight into Strom Park. Models will be on your Left. Model Hours: M-Sat: 10AM - 6PM � Sun: 12PM - 5PM
Viera Builder's Exclusive NeighborhoodModels Now Open!
Paula Cavan
321-223-8931
Debbie Hunter
407-716-7490
Office
321-305-4939
Coastal Healthpick up BBN
3-08-10page 17
FULL COLOR
Coastal Health Systemspick up BBN
11-16-09page 14
FULL COLOR
Community partners include:
Coastal makesconnections for life.
Coastal makesconnections for life.
Coastal makesconnections for life.
Coastal makesconnections for life.
Coastal makesconnections for life.
Coastal makesconnections for life.
CO
MM
ISSI
ON
ONACCREDITATION OF AMBULANCE
SERVI CESAs the county’s exclusive provider of non-emergency
ambulance services, Coastal Health Systems of Brevard makes important connections every day
for the citizens of our community. Since 1988, its staff of trained professionals has safely transported thousands of patients to and from their healthcare providers, playing a key role in Brevard’s medical transportation system.
Coastal Health Systems is a truly unique partnership. Operating under the governance of a Board of Directors with members from all three Brevard hospital systems and the oversight of the Board of County Commissioners, Coastal is able to respond to the needs and vision of the county’s healthcare and emergency services professionals alike.
Coastal makes connections for life—for residents of Brevard, with its community partners. For information, call 321.633.7050 or visit www.coastalhealth.org.
CoastalCoastal makesmakes
CoastalCoastalHealth Systems of BrevardHealth Systems of Brevard
Community partners include:
Coastal makes
CoastalHealth Systems of Brevard
As the county’s exclusive provider of non-emergency ambulance services, Coastal Health Systems of Brevard makes important con-nections every day for the citizens of our community. Since 1988, its staff of trained professionals has safely transported thousands of patients to and from their healthcare providers, playing a key role in Brevard’s medical transportation system.
Coastal Health Systems is a truly unique partnership.Operating under the gover-nance of a Board of Directors representing every non-profit hospital system serv-ing Brevard and with the oversight of the Board of County Commissioners, Coastal is able to respond to the needs and vision of the county’s healthcare and emergency services professionals alike.
Coastal makes connections for life – for residents of Brevard, with its community partners. For information, call 321.633.7050 or visit www.coastalhealth.org. .
CO
MM
ISSI
ON
ONACCREDITATION OF AMBULANCE
SERVI CES
Coastal makes
CoastalHealth Systems of Brevard
APRIL 7, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 8
Florida Airpick up BBN
3/31/14page 8
FULL COLOR
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 7, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 9
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
SARASOTA — Ringling College of Art and Design has
announced the appointment of Jeff Bellantoni as vice
president for academic affairs for Ringling College.
A nationwide search was conducted by Shelli Herman
and Associates.
He’s an author, educator and award–winning graphic
designer with more than 20 years in higher education.
Bellantoni previously was with Pratt Institute in New
York City, where he served as chairperson and professor of
the nationally ranked Graduate Communications Design
Department since 2008, and was a member of Pratt’s
Board of Trustees.
Bellantoni was responsible for several initiatives
including Pratt Press, the Graduate Design Guild, and the
first design–focused MFA program at Pratt. In addition to
these roles, he acted as governance facilitator for the
Institute for two years and special assistant to the Dean of
Art and Design for three years.
“We are pleased to add Jeff to our creative community,”
said Ringling College of Art and Design President
Dr. Larry Thompson. “Jeff’s well–rounded background and
experience as a designer and educator is the perfect fit to
help us continue to innovate and enhance our academic
program for the next decade and beyond.”
He added, “With over two decades in higher education
as a faculty member and academic administrator at major
research universities, a liberal arts college, and several
professional art and design colleges, Jeff has mastered
skill–sets that will be integral to Ringling College’s ongoing
curriculum development, accreditation and governance.
We are excited to work with Jeff to evolve our academic
vision at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.”
Bellantoni said it is a “privilege to join Ringling College,
one of the most innovative arts colleges in the world, and
one that continuously strives for excellence. Ringling
College’s record of achievement during the past decade
under President Thompson’s leadership, along with the
consistent drive to challenge itself, makes for a tremendous
opportunity of continued transformational growth.”
He added that Ringling’s studio–teaching model
“nurtures innovation — students learn to approach
problems from unique perspectives and develop the flexible
thinking and comfort with risk that is needed in today’s
complex and dynamic world. I look forward to being an
integral part of our continued advancement to distinguish
ourselves as the preeminent art and design college focused
on creativity, innovation and social responsibility.”
Before his position at Pratt, Bellantoni held various jobs
with Mercy College in the Division of Civic and Cultural
Studies as associate professor, division chairman, and
founding program director for computer arts and design,
during which time he raised funds and oversaw the
building of The Roy E. Disney Center for Animation
Studies and The Center for Digital Arts. He has also
taught at the University of Connecticut in the School of
Fine Arts, Wanganui Polytechnic School of Art & Design in
Wanganui, New Zealand, and Virginia Commonwealth
University School of the Arts in Richmond.
Bellantoni is the co–author and designer of several
books, including the best–selling titles “Type in Motion”
and “Moving Type, Designing for Time and Space.” He is
an accreditation evaluator for the National Association of
Schools of Art and Design, and presents at conferences,
events and educational institutions around the world.
Bellantoni received his MFA degree in visual communi-
cations from VCU and BFA from the University of
Tennessee at Chattanooga. He will begin his new job this
summer.
Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, not–for–
profit, fully accredited college offering bachelor’s degrees in
14 disciplines, including advertising design, business of art
and design, computer animation, and digital filmmaking.
Bellantoni joins Ringling College of Art and Design as VP of academic affairs; author, educator and designer
Tickets on sale for ‘Classic Albums Live’ concertsTickets for all of the individual 2014 “Classic Albums Live” summer concerts are on sale at the Maxwell C. King
Center for the Performing Arts on the Melbourne campus of Eastern Florida State College. Single ticket prices start at
$28.75. The concerts are: Pink Floyd, “Wish You Were Here,” 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 10; Paul McCartney, “Band on the
Run,” 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 21; Creedence Clearwater, “Chronicle Hits,” 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 26; Elton John,
“Greatest Hits,” at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16; Prince, “Purple Rain,” at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13; and The Beatles,
“White Album,” at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11.
Rivertree Builderspick up BBN
11/11/13page ?
FULL COLOR
Newtonnew ad emailed
FULL COLOR
NEW MODEL MAR 2014! 1171 Italia CourtMelbourne, FL 32940
SOLD!
Upgrades Are Our Standard
Model/Agent: (321) 241-4938
Developer: (321) 751-6850
DESIGNS
Michael Gainey Signature
Florida has always been our home, let's make it yours....
Name Brand Furnitureat Internet Prices
Studio HoursBy Appointment
Belair Courtyard218 Brevard Avenue #254
Cocoa Village
michaelgaineysignaturedesigns.com
Michael and son Bryson Gainey321-501-7203
Window TreatmentsRugs
AccessoriesDecorator Services
APRIL 7, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 10
Please see Junior Achievement of the Space Coast, page 15
Time for businesses to rally around Junior Achievement of the Space Coast’s‘Bowl–A–Thon’ benefit at Shore Lanes in Melbourne; recruiting five–player teamsBy Ken Datzman
Bowling is the No. 1 participation sport in
America. Its appeal is wide, attracting a cherished
demographic of more than 70 million people that
ranges all the way from youngsters to senior
citizens.
Bowling is also one of the fastest–growing high–
school sports. More than 5,000 schools offer boys and
girls bowling programs, according to the United
States Bowling Congress.
Junior Achievement organizations around the
nation have long used the popularity of the sport to
build a fund–raiser that targets participation by
businesses in a fun, competitive environment at
community bowling centers.
Known as the “Bowl–A–Thon,” the event in the
local market enjoyed years of success before “it kind
of fell off the radar. But we have resurrected it,” said
Mike McBride, president and owner of McBride
Marketing Group in Melbourne and the 2014 Junior
Achievement of the Space Coast Bowl–A–Thon
committee chairman.
Nationally, it’s one of the “hottest fund–raising
events for Junior Achievement,” he added.
Bowling, in general, is seeing renewed interest in
many communities because it’s fun and it’s an
inexpensive activity that brings together people in
neighborhoods. Many of these facilities have evolved
to become bowling–anchored family entertainment
centers.
Junior Achievement of the Space Coast is
working to get the word out to area businesses that
the bowling event is inexpensive to participate in
and it supports the organization’s local program-
ming, which focuses on financial awareness,
entrepreneurship, and work–readiness.
The Bowl–A–Thon is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on
Saturday, June 7, at Shore Lanes Bowling Center on
Dairy Road in Melbourne. “Shore Lanes has been
extremely generous in letting us use their facility for
this event,” said Kristin Schreiner, president of
Junior Achievement of the Space Coast.
The recruitment drive is underway for five–
player company teams to compete in the Bowl–A–
Thon.
“We are looking to recruit at least 40 teams. We
want to fill up the bowling center. This is especially a
great event for small businesses because it’s
inexpensive. Typically, with fund–raisers, bigger
businesses get involved because they can write the
checks. But this is an opportunity for the small–
business community as well,” said McBride.
The entry fee is $250 per team. Businesses may
enter more than one team. The teams play three
games during the event.
For each team, the players’ scores from the three
Junior Achievement of the Space Coast is looking to recruit at least 40 company teams to participate in its Bowl–A–Thon on June 7. The entry feeis $250 per team. The entry deadline is May 30. From left, Bowl–A–Thon committee members include: Larry McIntyre, Clear Channel Outdoor; AdamBroadway, Certified General Contractors; and Mike McBride, McBride Marketing Group. They are at McBride Marketing Group in Melbourne.
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
games are totaled as one team score. The highest team score
wins.
The deadline for team entries and pledges is May 30. Each
team is asked to raise pledges per point that go toward the
funding of Junior Achievement programs. Businesses compete
to see who can raise the most for Junior Achievement. Also,
the teams collect pledges from co–workers, family, and
friends.
For more details about entering a team in the competition
or pledging, call Junior Achievement of the Space Coast at
751–4024 or visit www.JASpaceCoast.org.
The Bowl–A–Thon is a good marketing opportunity for
area businesses.
“This is an HR person’s dream event,” said McBride. “They
can document and take pictures and do all kinds of social
postings of their team taking part in the Bowl–A–Thon and
giving back to the community, while also giving back to their
employees. It functions as a team–building event as well.”
Adam Broadway, president and chief executive officer of
area firm Certified General Contractors Inc. and a member of
the Bowl–A–Thon committee, said he has already recruited
two bowling teams and possibly a third one.
Larry McIntyre of Clear Channel Outdoor, another
committee member, said the Bowl–A–Thon “has been one of
our company’s favorite events and we have participated in a
lot of events over the years in the community. Our team really
has fun not only with the bowling competition but also with
the team–uniform contest.”
Prizes are awarded for the Best Team Score, Highest
Amount Raised by a Team, and Best Team Uniforms. “We’ve
had a lot of creativity in past years with the team uniforms,”
said McBride.
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization
dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills
they need to “own” their economic success, plan for the future,
and make smart academic choices.
The Junior Achievement programs are delivered in
classrooms by corporate and community volunteers. They
provide relevant, hands–on experiences that give students
from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 7, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 11
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Please see HBCA Spring Parade, page 17
HBCA Spring Parade models set to open around county — ‘Showcase Home’built by Avtec Homes, touts Eco–Star package; taps affordable housing nicheBy Ken Datzman
For decades, the Home Builders and Contractors Association of
Brevard has hosted its Parade of Homes, a weeklong event where area
builders show off their new models to the community twice a year, in
the spring and in the fall.
Long ago, the HBCA — an affiliate of the Florida Home Builders
Association and the National Home Builders Association — made a
commitment to this seasonal format and has stuck with it through
up–and–down home–building cycles and gyrating economies.
“We are the only builder association in Florida that puts on two
Parades a year,” said businessman Jason Stanley, chairman of the
HBCA 2014 Spring Parade of Homes and president of Stanley Homes
Inc., a third–generation builder. “We have Parades in the spring and
in the fall.”
Stanley, the immediate past president of the organization, works
closely with the current HBCA President Corey Lancaster, who heads
Harlan Property Development LLC in Cocoa.
The 2014 Spring Parade runs April 5 through April 13. Stanley
said there are Parade models from Malabar in the south to Titusville
in the northern part of the county. The homes range in price from the
high $100s to more than $1 million.
The models will be open for public viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Saturday, and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The “Commu-
nity” entry is Capron Ridge in Viera by Monarch Homes of Brevard.
The builders participating in the Parade include Avtec Homes, with
the “Showcase Home” in Manchester Lakes in West Melbourne;
Adams Homes, with models at Sloneridge in Palm Bay and Falcon
Ridge in Melbourne; Arthur Rutenberg Homes, showcasing homes in
Charolais Estates in Viera and Casabella in Suntree; Christopher
Burton Luxury Homes, with its entry at Charolais Estates; and
DiPrima Homes, with a model at Veranda Place in Melbourne.
The list continues: D.R. Horton, with homes at Manchester Lakes,
Bent Oak at Meadowridge in Titusville and Emerald Lakes in Cocoa;
Emerald Homes, featuring a model at Fairway Lakes at Viera; Joyal
Construction, with a model at Charolais Estates in Viera; A&E
Custom Homes, with a model at San Marino Estates in Melbourne;
Stanley Homes, with entries at Milan in Rockledge and Weber Woods
in Malabar; and Viera Builders, with its model at Strom Park in
Viera.
Avtec’s “Showcase Home” is in the new Manchester Lakes subdivi-
sion. The “Constellation 5” model has 2,157 square feet with four
bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an office. The single–story home touts
the Eco–Star “high–performance energy–efficiency solutions package.”
The package has a host of energy–saving features, including a solar
water heater, premium insulation, and a leading 15 SEER air–
conditioning system. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency
Ratio.
“As a company, we are focused on energy–efficient, affordable
homes and the ‘Constellation’ model is an example of our commitment
in those two areas,” said Sandra Forest, who holds a general
contractor’s license and is president of Avtec Homes in West
Melbourne.”
A graduate of the University of Florida and Florida Tech, Forest
grew up in the home–building industry but first worked in the
hospitality management field for hotels. She later became a real–
estate appraiser before coming to her position at Avtec Homes.
The Constellation starts at $204,900 and is the
largest home Avtec markets in Manchester Lakes.
“We allow customization,” she said. “We’ve had
customers who have moved walls to make a
bedroom bigger and much more.”
Julie Rigsby, a new home consultant for Avtec,
said consumers have embraced the Constellation 5.
Her company has recently sold a number of them.
“People love the energy–efficiency features of the
home. They love the layout because it’s an open
floor plan. They love the granite and tile, the large
walk–in pantry, and the porch. The model is
attracting a wide range of buyers, especially young
buyers,” said Rigsby.
Avtec Homes was started by Forest’s father,
longtime area homebuilder Larry Sietsma. He
founded Holiday Builders in 1983 and ran the
business for 16 years before retiring and selling the
firm to his employees.
He came out of retirement in 2005 to fill a
home–building niche that he saw in Brevard
County, that being affordable housing.
Around the time when real–estate values
started to skyrocket in price here and across the
nation as a home–buying stampede was underway
in many communities, Sietsma said to his daugh-
ter, “There is no affordable housing out there
anymore. I would like to start another home–
building company. Would you like to join me?”
Forest said yes and they went on to launch the
business.
“My father is an aviation and technology
The HBCA of Brevard will host its annual Spring Parade of Homes April 5 through April 13, with models open around thecounty for public viewing. The ‘Showcase Home’ is in the new Manchester Lakes subdivision in West Melbourne. The‘Constellation 5’ model was built by Avtec Homes, of which Sandra Forest is president. Jason Stanley is the Spring Paradechairman and president of Stanley Homes. They are at the Showcase Home.
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
APRIL 7, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 12
COLORADO SPRINGS — One of the main reasons to
attend the Space Foundation’s 30th Space Symposium is
the dynamic Boeing Exhibit Center, featuring the world’s
latest space technology, products and services.
For 2014, the Boeing Exhibit Center has sold out, with
35 first–time exhibitors.
The Space Symposium is the premier annual gathering
of the global space community. Scheduled May 19–22 here
at The Broadmoor Hotel, the Space Symposium brings
together all sectors of the worldwide space community to
address opportunities and issues.
The Boeing Exhibit Center will open Monday evening,
May 19, immediately following the Space Symposium’s
opening ceremony, and will be open through Thursday,
May 22. Exhibits are displayed in two halls — the Boeing
Exhibit Center in Broadmoor Hall and the adjacent Boeing
Exhibit Center Pavilion.
A “wait–list” is in effect and exhibitors are encouraged
to plan now to exhibit at the 31st Space Symposium, also
to be held at The Broadmoor, April 13–16, 2015. The
thousands of people who tour the exhibits include industry
executives, senior decision–makers and government
officials. For more details about exhibit opportunities,
contact [email protected].
The Boeing Exhibit Center is not open to the public.
The complete list of exhibitors is at
www.spacesymposium.org/exhibit–center.
The 30th Space Symposium is preceded by a full–day
cyberspace conference, “Cyber 1.4” on Monday, May 19, at
The Broadmoor Hotel. Cyber 1.4 requires separate
Boeing Center sold out for Space Foundation’s 30th Space Symposium at Broadmoor in Colorado Springs
Space Research Association.
Aviation Week, SatNews Publishers, SpaceNews and
Tech Briefs Media Group are media partners.
Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is the “foremost
advocate for all sectors of space.” It is a global, nonprofit
leader in space–awareness activities, educational pro-
grams and major industry events, including the annual
Space Symposium, in support of its mission “to advance
space–related endeavors to inspire, enable and propel
humanity.”
The Space Foundation’s world headquarters in
Colorado Springs features a public Discovery Center
including the El Pomar Space Gallery and the Northrop
Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere,
and is a member of the American Alliance of Museums.
The Space Foundation has a field office in Houston, and
from its Washington, D.C., office conducts government
affairs, publishes “The Space Report: The Authoritative
Guide to Global Space Activity” and provides three indexes
that track daily U.S. stock market performance of the
space industry.
Through its Space Certification and Space Technology
Hall of Fame programs, the Space Foundation recognizes
space–based technologies and innovations that have been
adapted to improve life on Earth. For more information
about the organization, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org.
registration, and a substantial discount is available when
combined with Space Symposium registration.
A discount is currently available on standard industry
registration, if paid by April 25, 2014. The Space Sympo-
sium website provides information in 71 languages, and
includes the complete agenda and speakers list, plus
registration information.
For registration and more details about the event, visit
www.SpaceSymposium.org.
The Space Symposium officially kicks off Monday
evening, May 19, with a “spectacular” opening ceremony,
co–sponsored by Northrop Grumman.
Other event co–sponsors include: A.I. Solutions;
Aeroflex Microelectronic Solutions; Aerojet Rocketdyne;
Airbus Group Inc.; Arianespace; ATK; Ball Aerospace &
Technologies Corp.; Booz Allen Hamilton; Colorado Space
Business Roundtable; El Pomar Foundation; Exelis;
Government Executive Media Group; Intelsat General
Corp.; Lockheed Martin; MetiSpace Technologies Inc.; and
Millennium Engineering and Integration Co.
The list continues: Moog Inc.; Orbital Technologies
Corp.; PAE; Raytheon; Scitor Corp.; Secure World Founda-
tion; SES Government Solutions; SLS and Orion Industry
Team; Space Generation Advisory Council; SpaceX;
Spincraft; SSL; Stellar Solutions Inc.; The Boeing Co.; The
SI Organization; United Launch Alliance and Universities
Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is the ‘foremost advocate for all sectors of space.’
Visual Dynamicspick up BBN
3/24/14page 3
FULL COLOR
Fearonspick up BBN
3/10/14page 12
FULL COLOR
Visit your friendly Apple Specialists.
• Apple, the Apple logo, FaceTime, iPad,and iSight are trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries. App store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
• Financing provided by GE Capital Retail bank. 6 month interest free financing
Ask about our interest free financing and business leasing options!
Sales, Repairs, Training
We do it all!
See The Difference Our Silk
Landscapes Can Make!
100% SILK - No Maintenance
Quality Custom
Silk Floral Design Since 1983
Fearon's is your specialist in
lush interior silkscapes.
Consultation
at no charge.
Fearon'sDesign Center
Melbourne, Florida � 321-242-8361
Patricia Stewart � Proprietor
www.fearonsdesigncenter.com
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 7, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 13
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Merritt Island firm’s innovative design supports multiple users; RS&H to be recognized at national ACEC eventWASHINGTON — RS&H, of Merritt Island, has
earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary
engineering achievement in the American Council of
Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 48th annual Engineering
Excellence Awards for its design of Pad–0A at the Mid–
Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Va.
Unlike traditional launch pads, Pad–0A is the first in
the U.S. to be specifically designed and built as a multi–
user facility, accommodating liquid–fueled rockets from
different private companies. Features include common
interface points that allow for quick removal and replace-
ment of key vehicle–specific structural, mechanical, and
electrical systems, and communication data trays to
facilitate future expansion.
This versatility “will allow faster turnaround between
launches, allowing a more diverse range of missions to
take place,” such as resupplying the International Space
Station, satellite launches, and space transportation
initiatives.
The project is among 143 engineering entries through-
out the nation and the world recognized by ACEC as
preeminent engineering achievements for 2013.
Judging for the Engineering Excellence Awards —
known as the “Academy Awards of the engineering
industry”– took place in February, conducted by a panel of
more than 25 engineers, architects, government officials,
media members, and academics. Criteria for the awards
include uniqueness and originality, technical innovation,
social and economic value, complexity, and success in
meeting goals.
The final top winners, including 16 Honor Awards,
eight Grand Awards and the prestigious “Grand Conceptor
Award” for the year’s most outstanding overall engineering
achievement, will be announced at the Engineering
Excellence Awards Gala, a black–tie event to be held
Tuesday, April 29, here at The Grand Hyatt Hotel.
The ACEC is the business association of America’s
engineering industry, representing more than 5,000
independent engineering firms and more than 325,000
professionals throughout the U.S. engaged in the develop-
ment of transportation, water and energy infrastructure,
along with environmental, industrial and other public and
private facilities.
Founded in 1909 and headquartered in Washington,
ACEC is a national federation of 51 state and regional
organizations.
Cocoa Village Playhouse announces the Jim Melia Memorial ScholarshipThe Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse and the family of Jim Melia have established The Jim Melia Memorial Scholar-
ship for both new and returning college students who have served at The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, either as a
performer in “Stars of Tomorrow” or the “Broadway on Brevard” productions, or as a musician or a member of the
production team.
Melia served as the vice principal of West Shore Junior/Senior High School in Melbourne and was an active volunteer
at the Cocoa Village Playhouse for many years.
He passed away Aug. 2 of 2013. Melia was an avid supporter of the “Stars of Tomorrow” program and was “forever
encouraging young people to pursue their higher education in order to achieve their dreams for the future.”
Each scholarship will be a one–time $1,000 award and may be used at any college or university in which the student
has been accepted or is currently enrolled.
The scholarship applications and criteria for applying are available at www.cocoavillageplayhouse.com or may be
obtained directly at the Cocoa Village Playhouse box office, 300 Brevard Ave. Selection of the recipient will be determined
by a committee and will be on an annual basis.
The deadline for applying is June 30. The recipient will be announced at the 25th Season Announcement Party, set for
July 12 at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne.
Art Gallery of Viera to conduct classThe Art Gallery of Viera at The Avenue shopping center will present “Fabric Collage — Free–Form Cityscape” from
9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Class participants will use fabric strips to create a small wall hanging
depicting a city scene of their choice, based on a photo or an imaginary scene. The class fee is $25 plus supplies. To
register for the program, call the Art Gallery at 504–4343 or visit www.ArtGalleryofViera.com.
Florida Tech Watchpick up BBN
3/31/14page 13
FULL COLOR
First Wave Financialpick up BBN
3/31/14page 15
FULL COLOR
Opened Fall 2009, the center provides research, training and service for persons with ASD and their families. The multidisciplinary treatment services offered focus on implementing research-based practice, partnering with schools and families, and collaborating with other professionals in a world-class facility.
DRAWING TO BE HELD SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014 AT KEMPF’S JEWELERS, 336 FIFTH AVE., INDIALANTIC, 1 P.M.
You could win a
Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-MASTER II
40mm, 904L stainless steel, rotatable black ceramic bezel, black dial with 24-hour hand and independently adjustable 12-hour hand, Oysterlock bracelet.
Valued at: $8,450
Donated by
*Suggested Donation/no purchase or contribution is necessaryNeed not be present to win. If not present, then a representative from Florida Tech will notify the winner.
Florida Institute of Technology150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901-6975
Indialantic, FL
$25 per raffle ticket*TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:
The Scott Center for Autism Treatment
Kempfs Jewelers
Purchase tickets online at: www.thescottcenter.org/raffle
eeel,ddddd ble
mmeennt
t th tt t / ffl
Independent. Objective. Trusted.
There’s Only One FirstWave.
As business leaders, your current and future financial well-being are directly affected by how you take advantage of your stock awards, options and grants, performance-based bonuses, and deferred compensation plan distributions. It can even affect how long you choose to keep your current job.
We understand. Having a FirstWave Financial Wealth Coach helps assure that all your financial decisions work together to transform these golden handcuffs into the financial freedom you have worked so hard to achieve. Since we are independent and objective, our advice can be trusted.
Call today for a complimentary consultation.
(321) 773-7773www.FirstWaveFinancial.com/BusinessLeaders
1300 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach
Do You Have a Financial Advocate Who Understands What You Must Do to Optimize Your Golden Handcuffs?
APRIL 7, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising InformationBREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 14
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Dr. Jorge De Armas Perez has become a partner at
Titusville–based Space Coast Cancer Center. The appoint-
ment was effective Jan. 1, 2014. The announcement was
made by Dr. Richard Levine, the founder of the practice.
Dr. Perez joined Space Coast Cancer Center in 2010
and cares for patients at the Titusville Cancer Center,
Merritt Island Cancer Center, Viera Cancer Center and
Melbourne office.
He graduated from the University Central del Caribe, a
U.S.–accredited school in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The U.S.
Army National Guard veteran completed his residency in
internal medicine at Lehigh Valley Hospital.
Dr. Perez completed his advanced training in hematol-
ogy and oncology at Pennsylvania State Hershey Medical
Center in Hershey. He is board certified in hematology,
medical oncology and internal medicine. Dr. Perez is fluent
in Spanish and English
He has privileges at Parrish Medical Center,
Wuesthoff–Rockledge and Wuesthoff–Melbourne, Cape
Canaveral Hospital, Viera Hospital and Holmes Regional
Space Coast Cancer Center based in Titusville announces Dr. Jorge De Armas Perez as a partnerMedical Center.
The mission of Space Coast Cancer Center is to “provide
the highest quality medical care and service to the patients
and families of our community, utilizing state–of–the–art
equipment and dedicated staff.”
The practice was founded in 1983. It is the “only cancer
center in Brevard County to be recognized by the Quality
Oncology Practice Initiative, a certification program of the
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The
program is an initiative to certify oncology practices that
meet rigorous standards for the highest quality of cancer
care.
JDRF Walk set for April 5 in Cocoa Beach; Joe Mirachi corporate chairman of eventThe Central Florida Chapter of JDRF will host its “Walk to Cure Diabetes” April 5 at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa
Beach. Team sign–ups are underway. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the 5k walk on the beach to start at 9:30. To
register your team or to donate to Walk for the Cure, go to www.Walk.JDRF.org.
The event is JDRF’s biggest fund–raiser in Central Florida. Last year the Brevard County event netted $123,000 to
support research that is working to eliminate Type 1 diabetes and lessen the impact it has on the lives of those living
with the disease. This year’s corporate chairman, Joe Mirachi, the chief executive officer of KSC Federal Credit Union
based on Merritt Island, invites the community to join him in getting involved in the walk.
“Our team is gearing up for a great morning on the beach for a great cause. I hope everyone in the community joins us
as we walk and raise money to help find a cure to beat this disease. We invite you to come and be a part of it,” he said.
The walk participants will enjoy snacks and drinks. There will be entertainment for the kids. For more information
about the organization, visit JDRF.org.
Surfside Playhousepick up BBN
3/31/14page 7
FULL COLOR
Good Questionpick up BBN
3/31/14page 7
FULL COLOR
Take Highway A1A to South
Fifth Street, Cocoa Beach Tickets: (321) 783-3127,
surfsideplayers.com
Follow us on Twitter
@surfsideplayers
By Philip George and David Lowenstein Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)
April 4-19 Opening Night is Buy One Get One Free Chronicling the dawning liberation of women in the 1960s, through the unforgettable hits of that decade! Caution: Adult themes
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 7, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 15
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
ORLANDO — Florida was one of the first states to feel
the effect of a national recession with job losses starting in
April 2007, several months before other states. When the
national recovery began in June 2009, Florida was slow to
join in and for several years lagged behind the pace of the
U.S. economic recovery.
In his first–quarter Florida Economic Forecast, UCF
economist Sean Snaith notes that in 2013 the state’s
economy came from behind and in 2014 leads the nation.
The Sunshine State, once a straggler in the race for
economic recovery, is now a front–runner.
“This has been no small accomplishment,” said Snaith,
the director of UCF’s Institute for Economic Competitive-
ness. “Looking forward, Florida will extend its lead over
the national economy for the next several years as we
expect the Florida economy to continue to outpace the
nation as a whole.”
Among the good news:
l Unemployment rates have fallen from their peaks,
in part due to a low labor–force participation rate
(59.6 percent in December 2013), and they will continue
to decline through 2017. The pace of decline will slow
dramatically as labor–force growth picks up. Despite this
significant headwind, the unemployment rate, currently
6.1 percent, should hit 5.4 percent by the end of 2017.
l The sectors that are expected to have the strongest
average growth during 2014–2017 are Construction (10
percent); Professional and Business Services (4.3 percent);
Trade, Transportation & Utilities (4 percent); Education
and Health Services (2.3 percent); and Leisure and
Hospitality (1.8 percent).
l Housing starts jumped in 2013. Total starts will be
more than 108,000 in 2014, just under 144,000 in 2015, hit
161,600 in 2016, and 165,500 in 2017. This growth in
residential activity will catalyze growth in the commercial
sector, both pushing employment growth in the construc-
tion sector into double digits.
l Real personal–income growth for 2013 slowed to
1.8 percent. From 2014–2017 real personal–income growth
will accelerate steadily and average 4.1percent, with 2014
growth at 3.6 percent that will rise to 4.6 percent in 2017.
l Low inventories and rising home prices have trig-
gered a surge in residential construction. Housing starts
will average 32.5 percent growth during 2014–2017. The
most rapid growth will be in 2014 and 2015.
l Retail sales will grow at an average pace of
4.4 percent during 2014–2017.
Snaith’s forecast offers predictions through 2017 for
Florida and its 12 metropolitan regions. Those areas are
Orlando, Daytona Beach–Deltona, Gainesville, Ocala,
Lakeland, Palm Bay–Melbourne, Pensacola, Miami,
Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Tampa Bay and Naples. To
view the complete report, visit http://www.iec.ucf.edu/post/
2014/03/25/Florida–Metro–Forecast–March–2014.aspx.
Snaith is a national expert in economics, forecasting,
market sizing and economic analysis who authors quar-
terly reports about the state of the economy. Bloomberg
News has named Snaith as one of the country’s most
“accurate forecasters” for his predictions about the Federal
Reserve’s benchmark interest rate, the Federal Funds rate.
Once a laggard now a leader, Florida’s economy outpacing national recovery; construction poised to grow
Junior Achievement of the Space CoastContinued from page 10
in financial literacy, work–readiness, and entrepreneur-
ship.
“Being involved in Junior Achievement of the Space
Coast has been a very rewarding experience,” said
McIntyre, who recently chaired the board of directors and
has been involved with the nonprofit organization for the
past 13 years.
“It’s a way to give back to the community by reaching
out directly to help kids learn about financial awareness,
entrepreneurship, and other important areas that will help
them in the future.”
Locally, Junior Achievement programs reach more than
11,000 students. The volunteers make five to seven
classroom visits of 30 to 45 minutes each, depending on the
grade level the volunteer chooses.
“Junior Achievement of the Space Coast is the voice of
financial literacy in the community and a promoter of
entrepreneurship in area schools. It’s an organization that
every business in the region should be supporting. Junior
Achievement is truly about teaching kids to be empowered
by business, not entitled,” said McBride, a longtime
entrepreneur himself.
An Estuarynew ad emailed
FULL COLOR
Gelmanpick up BBN
3/24/14page 7
FULL COLOR
HAIR LOSS!
Surgical Hair Replacement | Hair Transplant Repair | FUE Hair Transplant
Clifford Gelman, MDBrevard’s Only DedicatedHair Restoration Center
321.473.1068GelmanHair.com/Target
Armed and Ready to Provide You With Your Own Naturally Growing Hair.
APRIL 7, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising InformationBREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 16
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 7, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 17
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
ROCKLEDGE — LEAD Brevard will host “Access
2014” at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, at Suntree
Country Club in Melbourne.
The program will offer Brevard County professionals
the opportunity for social networking with business
leaders in a relaxed atmosphere.
Annually, influential community members are invited
to serve as “table– conversation leaders.” Candid dialogue
at each table is a sharing of professional experiences and
lessons learned — all designed to encourage guests on
their “leadership journey.”
The scheduled list of table leaders includes:
Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno, Commander, 45th Space Wing,
and director, Eastern Range, Patrick Air Force Base;
Dana Blickley, Brevard County property appraiser; Tim
Cerullo, chief executive officer, Wuesthoff Health System;
Steve Englehart, head football coach, Florida Tech; Paul
Hanson, vice president of operations and general man-
ager, Bright House Networks; Marcus Harley, senior vice
president, PNC Bank; Chas Hoyman, partner, Carr Riggs
& Ingram CPAs and Advisors; Wayne Ivey, Brevard
County Sheriff; Mark Malek, managing partner, Zies
Widerman & Malek; and Danny McKnight, retired U.S.
Army colonel.
The list continues: Doug Muldoon, Palm Bay police
chief; Michele Murrell, executive director, Eastern Florida
State College Foundation; Travis Proctor, chief executive
officer, Artemis, Lisa Rice, president, CareerSource
Brevard; Sandy Sanderson, regional director, external
affairs, Florida Power & Light Co.; Howard Tipton,
Brevard County manager; Lynda Weatherman, president
and chief executive officer, Economic Development
Commission of Florida’s Space Coast; Keith Winsten,
executive director, Brevard Zoo; and Dr. Denise Young,
associate vice president, University of Central Florida,
Cocoa and Palm Bay campuses.
Registration is required for the event and the deadline
is April 3. Ticket prices are $35 for Young Professionals of
LEAD Brevard to host ‘Access 2014’ program at Suntree Country Club; led by influential businesspeopleBrevard and LEAD Brevard members and $45 for guests.
Reservations may be made at www.LEADBrevard.org or
call 632–8222.
Founded in 1985 as an independent not–for–profit
organization, the mission of LEAD Brevard is to develop
and engage leaders to “achieve a preferred future.”
For more details about the event, contact Melissa
Breckenridge at [email protected].
HBCA Spring ParadeContinued from page 11
enthusiast and that is where the name Avtec came from,”
said Forest. Sietsma is a former U.S. Marine Corps
fighter pilot. He is the acting general contractor for Avtec
Homes, which builds in several markets.
Both Forest and Stanley said they are looking for
continued steady growth in the local home–building
industry.
“We’ve had two really good home–building years back
to back, fueled by low interest rates and the fact that
housing inventory continues to diminish in Brevard
County,” said Stanley, adding, “The especially cold winter
this season up north and in other parts of the nation is
likely to drive traffic to the Sunshine State, which is an
opportunity for home builders.”
The Milan and Weber subdivisions are where Stanley
Homes has a Spring Parade presence.
Customers have the opportunity to customize their
Stanley Homes. “We have our standard floor plans and
we allow customization,” said Stanley.
Competitive mortgage rates and an improving
economy point to a gradual strengthening of housing
activity through the rest of the year, according to a report
by the National Association of Homes Builders.
“Things are definitely looking up,” said Stanley, “but
there are some challenges in the local home–building
industry. For one, there is definitely a labor shortage.”
The industry provides an opportunity to learn the
trade and advance up the ranks.
Employment of construction workers is projected to
grow 25 percent now to 2022, much faster than the
average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Depart-
ment of Labor.
Not long after the market “took a dive, a lot of laborers
in Florida relocated to other states whose housing
markets didn’t get hit as hard as ours. Now, we are
working to bring them back,” said Stanley.
Kempf's
new a d emailed
FULL COLORor
PIP Printingpick up BBNskinny one
House of Lightsnew ad emailed
FULL COLOR
APRIL 7, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 18
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Sizzynew ad emailed
Nancy taylorpick up BBN
3/24/14page 13
FULL COLOR
Artemispick up BBN
3/24/14page 12
Websternew ad emailed
FULL COLOR
Brennerpick up BBN
3/03/14page 15
FULL COLOR
Nancy R. TaylorBroker/Owner
Merritt Island Patrick AFB Melbourne
MASTER OF ARTS
Procurement & Acquisitions Management
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 7, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 19
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSRiver Tree BuildersContinued from page 1
According to the National Association of Home Build-
ers, the Remodeling Market Index held steady at 57 in the
fourth quarter of 2013. This is the same level as the third
quarter of 2013 and the highest reading since the first
quarter of 2004.
A number of years after the recording of the index’s
highest reading, the housing market started sliding and
eventually went into a sustained slump.
Many general contractors who built homes in the area
shifted their focus to the remodeling segment as housing
starts stalled. Soon, the remodeling part of the business
became crowded with general contractors.
“At that time,” said Richardson, a Rollins College
business graduate, “it seemed like everyone who had a
general contractor’s license in the region was a remodeler.”
He added, “Now, the new home market has come back
and the general contractors who used to pass business my
way are doing so again as they are busy building homes.
When that started to happen, it was a sign things were
getting better. They are busy in their core business and
now I’m reaping the benefits of that.”
Just about all signs and indicators in the remodeling
industry have turned positive and are pointing toward
gains at least over the next two years.
The industry is coming off its best year since 2008,
based on the latest compiling of the “Residential Remodel-
ing Index,” or RRI, by Metrostudy, a Hanley Wood
company. Hanley Wood provides research and analysis
covering the real–estate industry.
Across multiple metrics produced by Metrostudy, 2013
marked a “clear and substantial” move toward recovery in
the home–improvement sector. The seasonally adjusted
fourth–quarter national composite of the RRI registered a
score of 94.6, which was a 1 percent improvement over the
third–quarter result of 93.4.
Year–over–year, the index gained 9 percent, marking
the second consecutive year of gains. It represented the
largest year–over–year increase in activity since 2005.
“The big projects, such as full home renovation, have
even come back,” said Richardson. “It’s nice to see that in
this market.”
River Tree Builders recently finished a full–scale
kitchen renovation for local clients Dr. Ruben and Rita
Moreno. The upgrades included new cabinetry and the
Morenos added pantry storage space and made other
improvements.
River Tree Builders worked with Cabinet Designs of
Central Florida in Rockledge, owned by Dan and Sherry
Scott. The finished project was featured in the Women’s
Center South Guild’s recent “A Gourmet’s Kitchen Tour”
fund–raiser.
“They have a beautiful home. And the new cabinets
really help set off the kitchen area,” said Richardson.
Consumers are seeing an uptick in the value of their
home–improvement projects. Hanley Wood’s 27th annual
2014 “Cost vs. Value Report,” comparing construction costs
with resale value, shows that for the second consecutive
year remodeling is up for all 35 projects included in the
survey.
This signals an end to the cost–value ratio fall that
began in 2006 and didn’t begin to rebound until last year.
His company has built mother–in–law suites and has
made other renovations to accommodate a larger family.
One of the fastest–growing populations in Brevard County
and nationally are people age 80 and older.
Nearly 10 million adult children in the U.S. over the
age of 50 care for their aging parents, either in the adult
children’s home or in another setting, according to a study
by MetLife.
The proportion of adult children providing personal care
or financial assistance to a parent has more than tripled
over the past 15 years, says the survey.
“This has become a huge trend in the local market,”
said Richardson. “We’re doing projects where we are
adding bedrooms and much more. We have done a number
of these renovations over the last 18 months, putting
additions onto existing homes and making various
adjustments in areas of the home.”
Since its founding, River Tree Builders’ main business
has been home remodeling. “We’ve done well in that niche.
We’re a full–service builder, though, a full general
contractor,” he said.
His firm has expertise in commercial building, new–
home construction, and construction management as well.
Richardson started his career locally at Harris Corp. as
a production manager for the company’s semiconductor
division.
Later, he worked for a supplier selling equipment to
semiconductor businesses. That particular supplier
eventually went out of business, and Richardson was at a
fork in the road in his career.
“I either had to move to one of the semiconductor
meccas for employment — the Silicon Valley in northern
California; Boston; Austin, Texas; or North Carolina’s
Research Triangle Park — or find another career. I really
liked Brevard County and decided to stay.”
River Tree Builders has compiled a portfolio of more
than 200 remodeling projects in Brevard County covering a
wide range of work across various price categories, with
some projects valued at more than $1 million.
The recent steady stream of work has given remodelers
like Richardson confidence that the overall business
conditions in the field will remain positive as new money
flows into home improvement.
River Tree Builders has a number of sizable home
renovations ongoing at area sites, including one on South
Tropical Trail on Merritt Island and another near the river
in Cocoa.
In general, home improvement has become a sophisti-
cated marketplace as consumers take on upscale remodel-
ing that requires a high degree of skill and industry
expertise.
Richardson says now is a good time for homeowners to
remodel because the “cost of renovation is still down. There
is still good value in renovation.”
For the first time in four years, improved resale of residen-
tial housing had more of an influence on the cost–value
ratio than did construction costs, according to the survey.
The top recouping projects greater than $100,000
were: master suite (67 percent); major kitchen remodel
(64 percent); and two–story addition (72 percent).
Professionals say taking the time to research remodel-
ing projects will provide a good sense of what is involved,
such as price, scope of work, return on investment, and
new product and material options.
Your design will guide the entire process.
“Many people have an idea of what they want to do in
terms of a remodeling project, but they haven’t figured out
the dimensions or the room sizes and how everything will
fit into the design scheme. The first step in our process is
when I meet with the customer and an architect to work
with them on the design,” he said.
How long do you plan to stay in your home? How might
your family structure change over time? These types of
questions should be answered early to ensure your
remodeling project will fit your lifestyle long after it’s
complete.
Among consumer investments in home upgrades,
bathrooms and kitchens are still the volume leaders. “They
generally attract the most attention from owners when it
comes to home improvement,” said Richardson.
Bathroom features in demand include linen storage
closets, undermount sinks, ceramic or porcelain tile for
flooring, and open shelving.
“Bathrooms are getting a lot of focus by homeowners
who are remodeling. They are putting significant money
into these projects,” said Richardson, whose company just
completed a $40,000 bathroom renovation for a client.
America’s bathroom styles are shifting, too. According
to research released in February at the 2014 Kitchen and
Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, we like our bathrooms
“contemporary, spa–like, and easy to maintain.”
Other key findings by the National Kitchen and Bath
Association about bathroom–design trends:
l Fully 64 percent of NKBA respondents specified a
soaking tub in a master bath, with 42 percent expecting
that trend to continue in 2014.
l Steam showers are popular, with twice as many
respondents specifying steam showers over whirlpools for
master baths in 2013. Forty–four percent of respondents
see the demand for steam showers increasing this year.
l Electric radiant floor heating was specified by 55
percent of respondents and half see that trend increasing
this year.
Bathrooms and kitchens are not the only areas that are
fueling the remodeling business. Richardson said he is
seeing a trend in the local market where aging parents are
moving into the homes of their adult children, who have
taken on the role of caregivers.
Nearly 10 million adult children in the U.S. over the age of 50 care for their
aging parents, either in the adult children’s home or in another setting,
according to a study by MetLife.
At AT&T, we know that making connections is critical to success. In Brevard County and across the nation, we link businesses with their customers and the world through our wireless network with access to the nation’s largest Wi-fi network.
It’s just another way we help our customers stay connected.
© 2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved.
networking matters